South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
USS Independence pictured in the Pacific Ocean. (Photo: USN/Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe)
Austal USA is to provide ‘emergent repair and continuous maintenance’ for Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, under a new $72.51 million contract from the US Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center in Yokosuka and Singapore.
‘The contract will include a one 24-month base period beginning in January with three additional 12-month option periods,’ the DoD announced on 23 November.
‘Work will be primarily performed in Singapore, with a percentage that cannot be determined at this time in countries and ports within the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean,’ the DoD added.
If contract options are exercised, the total value of the contract will rise to $215.88 million and work will be completed by December 2026.
The USN has received 13 out of the 19 Independence-class LCS vessels on order, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
Naval Sea Systems Command intends to grant a production agreement for the Aegis Weapon System covering the FY2026-FY2030 period.
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
A follow-on contract awarded to Collins covers the supply of up to eight MAFs to be delivered from 2027.
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.